skip to main content

Appliances Kitchens

Is Backsplash Tile fire safe?

3 years ago

I have purchased a 36” BlueStar range with a back guard that does not extend above the surface of the range. BlueStar calls this an island back guard (not sure if this is a standard term or just their word). The installation manual says that use of this type of back guard requires that the wall behind the range must have a 6” (from the top of the range downward) non-combustible AND heat-resistant material on it.

Does backsplash tile meet this requirement provided that it extends the 6” down behind the range? This is probably a naive question. I presume tile is non-combustible but have no idea if it’s heat-resistant. Thanks :).

Comments (7)

lwfromny
Original Author
3 years ago
I should have stated that the tile is ceramic.
PRO
Celadon
3 years ago
The island back guard is only usable in an island situation. You need either the tall backguard, or to rebuild the wall to the rear as a noncombustible assembly.
Related Discussions
backsplash - bold color or play it safe? (pics)
Q
Comments (23)
Remodel-Mama - I really like your choices. You have lovely taste and should trust your instincts. I know that feeling - you could stick with the simple and know it would look nice or take a risk and have your place look...wow. I LOVE what circus peanut posted. I don't know where you get stuff like that, but Jeffery Court carries some hand painted tiles that are interesting. http://www.jeffreycourt.com/chpt4_handpainted_tiles.asp Another route is something in the same color family but a little softer. Both Pratt and Larson (makes a "watercolor" glaze that I could not find on the website) and Winchester make a soft handmade glaze that has a little variability/interest but could be a softer treatment in the same color family that would compliment the walls and give a little punch without overwhelming. Here is a link to Winchester "Mars" - http://www.winchestertiles.com/range.php?c=28&r=35# The tile you posted looks strong with a flat color - with your antiqued island I would be looking for something with a little more variability and character like a watercolor finish or a crackle. Or even a real terracotta tile :) Looking forward to seeing your choice. The kitchen looks beautiful so far.
...See More
Fire and Ice backsplash question..what granite did you choose?
Q
Comments (3)
And this is the Oceanic Bordeaux (I said ocean by mistake in the original post). This isn't my actual slab (wish it was), mine has a bit more red/rust in it. Here is a link that might be useful: Oceanic Bordeaux
...See More
Do I Need BackSplash? Help with Suggestions!
Q
Comments (27)
Posted by budgeteer_s (My Page) on Wed, Dec 31, 08 at 18:18 Thanks for all your suggestions. I wanted so much to follow with ci_lantro's suggestion because then I'm done. I'll gladly let you snatch that paint brush out of my hand. ha ha. But at the same time if a little tiling will tie up the project, then I'm game. jodi_socal: I'm a little disappointed when you said fire and ice won't work. I just LOVE that F&I BS. But then agin, I think I know all along it's a little too much for my kitchen. Caryscott & petra: Thanks for the picture petra, it says a thousand words. Is spectralight glass tiles? Prices are pretty reasonable. What about that milk green color? will it work? maybe with some garnet pieces sparingly mixed in. I will take some pictures and post two HD Behr's paint card to aid in the discussion of color. Thanks again ALL! Correction: My tiles were Alfagres: Gema4x4: different from what caryscott posted: I loved what caryscott linked:
...See More
Food Safe Backsplash?
Q
Comments (2)
I was thinking more of a polished live edge. Some of the wave and character maintained but not something completely raw that would catch dust and such.
...See More
PRO
Joseph Corlett, LLC
3 years ago
Installing noncombustible tile over a combustible wall does not make that wall noncombustible at least according to the NFPA.
lwfromny
Original Author
3 years ago
Am I correct in assuming that if the back guard does not stick up higher than the range surface, I have an island back guard? I bought the floor model, so I didn’t select a back guard - I just got what was on it. Pics of range attached, as well as the language from the installation manual regarding the island back guard. It does specifically address situations where there is not 6” from a combustible surface. I assumed this meant a wall. But I guess it could apply to a cabinet in an island? It would never occur to me that a range like this would be in an island.
Fori
3 years ago
I bet you can buy the non-island backguard to swap out. It's pretty annoying how most of the manufacturers deliver these ranges with island backguards. They also display them in ads with it so people get the unpleasant surprise...

Tile is fire proof (but depending on the range, it can show some scorching). The stuff behind it probably isn't.
lwfromny
Original Author
3 years ago
@Fori I couldn’t agree more. I can’t think of a single photo on Houzz that shows the kind of back guard I apparently need. It’s so disappointing to have envisioned one thing but need to have another. Nonetheless I have no desire to burn down what I just poured so much money into.
Fori
3 years ago
I think there are ways to make that area acceptable and while I certainly don't recommend burning down your house, I've never seen anyone claim or document an actual fire incident (except for cosmetic issues--lots of scorched tiles and yellowed/cracked quartz backsplashes).

Probably best to embrace the beefiness and chefworthiness of the range and get a backguard with a shelf or something. :)

Sign Up to Comment

Related Stories

GARDENING GUIDES Create a Fire-Safe Garden — With Style

By Margie Grace - Grace Design Associates

Defend your home against wildfire with a well-planned mix of plants, materials and open space

KITCHEN DESIGN 10 Gorgeous Backsplash Alternatives to Subway Tile

By Vanessa Brunner

Artistic installations, back-painted glass and pivoting windows prove there are backsplash possibilities beyond the platform

TILE 5 Head-Turning Tile Styles for Backsplashes and More

By Karen Egly-Thompson

If plain subway tile would derail your bold decorating vision, these dashing tiles can help you arrive at a brilliant solution

KITCHEN DESIGN 8 Top Tile Types for Your Kitchen Backsplash

By The Inman Company

Backsplash designs don't have to be set in stone; glass, mirror and mosaic tiles can create kitchen beauty in a range of styles

TILE Let’s Talk Tile: An Alphabetical Guide to Tile Terminology

Get set for a tile project with this handy glossary of shapes, materials, finishes and more

BATHROOM TILE Bathroom Backsplashes Make a Style Statement

Be inspired to turn this small bathroom detail into a big design feature

KITCHEN DESIGN How to Add a Kitchen Backsplash

By Mitchell Parker

Great project: Install glass, tile or another decorative material for a gorgeous and protective backsplash

KITCHEN DESIGN Unique Kitchen Tile

By Becky Harris

TILE Choose the Tile That’s Right for Your Room

Gloss, matte, glazed, metallic, terra cotta and more: Each has its own look and characteristics

KITCHEN DESIGN Choosing a Backsplash: What's Your Personality Type?

By Jason Ball Interior Design

10 Tile Styles That Say a Little Something About You

Sponsored

Traditional Hardwood Floors LLC

2 Reviews

Your Industry Leading Flooring Refinishers & Installers in Columbus

More Discussions

Two dishwashers side by side - crazy or genius?

35

Help! V*King nightmare is over. Need input on 36”, 6 burner gas range.

13

Bluestar RCS or RNB - 36inch - Open or Closed burner

9

Interior dimension of Gaggenau 30" double wall ovens

6

American Range Double Wall Ovens

0